Why would Puccini compose an opera about Japan?
The Victorian period was a time when men of leisure embarked on adventurous escapades around the world. Many of these travelers wrote letters, articles, and journals of their travels. All these personal interpretations of what they witnessed combined to create exotic images of distant lands for those remaining at home. It became common to set works of literature in foreign locations. One of the last countries to be opened to the West was Japan. Once Commodore Perry concluded his treaty with Japan in 1854, it became a must-see destination for wealthy and intrepid travelers. Japan’s exotic allure resulted in a vast body of popular literature and fashion. “Japonisme” was a popular trend in late 19th and early 20th century Europe. It involved adapting Japanese silks and prints in European interior design and clothing. Japanese gardens were built in many places in Europe and North America in this period. Puccini was one of the Europeans caught up in the attraction of Japan and the sad and b
